Chapter 4 - The Blind Entrance
On the evening of the gala, Margaret Whitaker walked into the luxury ballroom with her head held high, radiating arrogant confidence.
She wore her dark navy blue evening gown, her neck adorned with multi-carat diamond necklaces leased on credit. Beside her, Daniel adjusted his tuxedo bowtie, trying to hide the deep anxiety eating away at his conscience.
"Smile, Daniel!" Margaret instructed in a hushed, demanding tone as they took their front-row seats. "Tonight, the committee announces the thirty-million-dollar grant recipient. Our foundation is the largest applicant. Once we secure this contract, our debt is wiped clean and our standing is restored forever!"
"Mother, are you sure the committee chairman received our private donation to their advisory board?" Daniel whispered nervously, wiping sweat from his palm.
"Of course he did," Margaret scoffed, taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Money opens every door, Daniel. That's why I saved you from that penniless researcher three months ago. Imagine if you were still tied to that girl right now! She would have been an embarrassing dead weight on a night like this."
Daniel remained silent, a pang of hollow regret tightening his chest. Over the past three months, he had missed Evelyn deeply, realizing too late that her gentle warmth and brilliance were far more valuable than his mother’s toxic status-seeking. But he had been too weak to stand up to Margaret.
Suddenly, the house lights dimmed, and soft spotlights illuminated the grand podium stage.
The master of ceremonies stepped up to the microphone, his voice echoing through the surround-sound speakers.
May you like
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Annual Bio-Tech Philanthology Gala. Please rise for our Keynote Speaker and Chief Grant Director... Dr. Evelyn Harper."
👉 Click to continue reading to see the moment Margaret realized her fatal error.
